The Wednesday Wire - January 21st 2014

Evie has been busy this week analysing the information contained in the latest Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2015, which suggests that mixed economic performances in BRICS countries has been offset by dynamic growth in a number of ASEAN and GGC countries, sub-Saharan Africa and large next-tier economies such as Indonesia, Nigeria, Mexico and Pakistan.

Since the Index's inception, large BRICS nations have accounted for a significant proportion of growth and investment in emerging markets. But Saudi Arabia climbed to second position in this year's Index, ranking behind only China, which has 47 times the population and 12.5 times the economic output.

Key findings of the report included the UAE, Qatar and Oman being ranked as having the best "market compatibility"; the UAE, Malaysia, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Chile topping in "connectivity" board, with the best infrastructure and transport links; Russia's growing economic isolation and the damage to its logistics appeal; and the Philippines being pushed up five spots among countries likely to emerge as a major logistics market.

Essa Al-Saleh, president and ceo of Agility Global Integrated Logistics, commented: "A year ago, there was talk of an emerging markets meltdown and of a new 'fragile five' based on concerns about weakness in South Africa, Brazil, India, Turkey and Indonesia. Emerging markets as a group turned out to be far more resilient - even vibrant - than expected despite continued sluggishness in the global economy."

Click here to access the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2015 in full.

In business

Panalpina heads further into Africa

Panalpina opened two new offices in Casablanca, Morocco and Nairobi, Kenya, where the company says opportunities for growth exist in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

FP Engineering chooses Safmarine MPV

Safmarine MPV was selected by South African manufacturer FP Engineering as its preferred carrier for 2015.

Breakbulk boosts the Port of Rotterdam

Cargo throughput during 2014 at the Port of Rotterdam increased by 1 percent year-on-year, with breakbulk and containerised freight growth offsetting a slump in oil products.

SP SPb sees project cargo rise

The Sea Port of Saint-Petersburg posted a 17 percent year-on-year rise in equipment and machinery, including project, heavy lift and out-of-gauge cargoes, handled at the port in 2014.

Albany hits the heights

Fuelled by a surge in shipments of grain and heavy lift equipment, the Port of Albany handled a record 94 ships and barges in 2014.

Greencarrier achieves ISO standards

Greencarrier Freight Services has achieved management (ISO 9001) and environmental (ISO 14001) certification for its energy and projects business unit.

PPG gains ports' support

Las Palmas Port Authority and the Port of Corpus Christi were named as platinum sponsors of the Project Professionals Group's (PPG) eighth annual conference in the Canary Islands.

Capacity developments

ABC confirms fleet expansion plans
AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has confirmed reports that it will take two more freighters into its fleet in 2015, and is also considering adding two more aircraft.

Grimaldi targets Med-North America ro-ro

Grimaldi Group plans to launch a new ro-ro service connecting Civitavecchia, Italy and the ports of Baltimore (USA) and Halifax (Canada) on the North American West Coast.

Maximus launches one-stop-shop

Maximus Air is launching a brand new one-stop-shop service in 2015, offering door-to-door delivery for the first time.

Port of Tyne extension takes step forward

The Port of Tyne has appointed a contractor to undertake the GBP25mn (USD37.87mn) extension of the Riverside Quay - the gateway's deep-sea facility at South Shields.

Crane manufacturers in telescopic collaboration

Sennebogen and Manitowoc have signed a long-term strategic partnership, which will see Sennebogen produce three telescopic crawler cranes for Manitowoc to sell in the Americas.

On the move

Skuld strengthens management under new ceo

Marine insurance provider Skuld has appointed Gregory Thomas as executive vice president, commercial P&I, and named Kristian Løberg as chief financial officer.

Ferrero joins PTV Transport Consult

PTV Transport Consult appointed Thomas Ferrero to its managerial team. He will succeed Michel Zeers and Dr Gerd Bahm.

DHL cuts ribbon in Chicago

DHL Global Forwarding has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new USD35 million facility in Chicago, Illinois.

Occis to head up Port of Rouen

Nicolas Occis, a chief civil and forestry engineer, has been named executive director of HAROPA's Port of Rouen.

Notable shipment

Ekin Heavy and Project Cargo Transportation delivers a shipment comprising 22 heavy units from Ankara, Turkey to France by road.